Guide to the Great Ocean Road

These soaring pillars, which have been chiselled out of limestone over 10 to 20 million years, are the highlight of the Great Ocean Road. Stop at Teddy’s Lookout along the craggy cliffs to admire the famed sea stacks, which tower above the ocean.

Enjoy spectacular ocean vistas as you trek through tree-fern gullies and eucalypt woodlands at Wildlife Wonders in the Otways. Walk through the magical setting – designed by an art director on the Hobbit films – to learn about the Australian bush.

Experience wellness on another level at Victoria’s first hot springs hotel where you’ll bask in an open-air sanctuary that taps into the region’s natural geothermal waters. The Warrnambool sanctuary features 15 carefully curated bathing pools.

The platypus is one of Australia’s most elusive and ancient creatures. Spot the semi-aquatic mammal in its natural habitat on a Paddle with the Platypus experience with Otway Eco Tours in enchanting Lake Elizabeth, also home to resident koalas.

Learn about the significance of Tower Hill, Victoria’s largest dormant volcano, to local Indigenous people on a guided bush and nature tour. While exploring this rare geological site, you’ll also get close to some of Australia’s most iconic animals.

Mount Gambier is defined by the incredible geological formations of the region. For starters, explore the sapphire waters of Blue Lake, wander the gardens of Umpherston Sinkhole, snorkel in Piccaninnie Ponds and dive deep into Kilsby Sinkhole. 

Enjoy a decadent one-hour Chocolate Discovery class, or a Taste & Create Rocky Road Workshop where you can indulge in tastings and craft your own chocolate bars at the family-friendly Great Ocean Road Chocolaterie & Ice Creamery. 

You may know the Great Ocean Road for its regional restaurants and local produce, but it’s time to add craft beer to the list. Passionate locals who love good beer have set up breweries all along this iconic route. Here’s a selection of the best.

Trace the curves of the Great Ocean Road on an intimate four-day 12 Apostles Lodge Walk along a coastline necklaced with pristine beaches. Hear tales about shipwrecks, spot fur seals and wallabies and stay in exclusive eco-luxe villas along the way.

Families will find plenty of thrills and adventure around every corner at Otway Fly Treetop Adventures. Here you can fly through the forest on a zipline, stroll along an elevated treetop walkway or visit whimsical worlds full of pixies and fairies.

The Great Ocean Road has some serious culinary cred. Choose from diverse options such as a casual café with views over the Bass Strait, breweries and distilleries where you sup on-site or a degustation at Brae, destination dining at its best.

Meet friendly locals throughout region as you join the dots between Port Campbell and Princetown, Lorne and Lavers Hill, Apollo Bay and Anglesea. What makes many of these townships so great is the people. Come and say g’day.

Swimming with dolphins and seals is made even more special in the blue-green waters of Port Phillip Bay. Those on a wildlife sightseeing tour will also enjoy sightings of the Australasian gannet, Australia’s largest diving seabird.

Plan ahead to attend a community event in the region with everything from sporting spectacles and music festivals to markets celebrating makers and growers scheduled throughout the year. There’s even an annual Kelpie Muster event.